Mutharika urges Malawi Chiefs to work with DPP govt

President Peter Mutharika has urged chiefs to put aside their political affiliations and work with the Democratic Progressive Party-DPP Government so that they effectively contribute towards the country’s socio-economic development.

President Mutharika congratulates TA Ngongoliwa

Mutharika urges Chiefs to work with Government

Mutharika made the call Friday morning when he officially elevated Sub Traditional Authority-STA Ngolongoliwa to Traditional Authority-TA Ngolongoliwa The First at Mtundaosema headquarters in Thyolo.

He observed that chiefs had a vital role in the implementation of projects such as the Farm Input Subsidy Program-FISP, hence the need to closely work with Government.

“For the country to achieve socio-economic development, there is need for all of us to work together. I know we had differences during the elections period, but it’s over now. I won the election and am the president. Its ‘now time to work together to develop the nation,” the President urged.

Mutharika described Ngolongoliwa as a humble and supportive traditional leader, and urged him to continue with such a leadership style.

“Chief Ngolongoliwa stood firm and supported us in the past two years we were not in government. There were some chiefs who because of political pressure rebelled against us, but Ngolongoliwa didn’t abandon us,” Mutharika said, adding he had already forgiven those who had rebelled against him.

President Mutharika also warned chiefs against ill-treating their subjects and soliciting bribes.

“I am aware that there are some chiefs who are busy harassing their subjects with some even grabbing land from them. This is a very bad behaviour and it must stop,” Mutharika warned.

He then called for unity among Malawians, advising them to desist from adopting ideas that could easily divide the nation.

On his part, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Trasizio Gowelo urged TA Ngolongoliwa and other chiefs to avoid rushing to the courts whenever faced with chieftaincy wrangles.

“The courts are not ideal places for settling chieftaincy wrangles. If you have such issues, resolve them amicably amongst yourselves rather than rushing to the courts,” Gowelo advised.

Speaking on behalf of all chiefs in Thyolo, TA Mphuka commended President Mutharika for elevating STA Ngolongoliwa to TA Ngolongoliwa.

Ngolongoliwa becomes the first Traditional Authority form the Lhomwe tribe. Most of the other TAs in the district are from the Mang’anja tribe.

Indeed for the Malawi to achieve socio-economic development, there is need for all chiefs to be non partisan but work together with government of the day and every political party for the benefit of our country.

It is sad that some chiefs are bribed and start showing sides this should be discouraged in our country

Please APM be the first President to show chiefs that we need leaders who focus on development